Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.

The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind.

I tolerate with the utmost latitude the right of others to differ from me in opinion without imputing to them criminality.

Man, once surrendering his reason, has no remaining guard against absurdities the most monstrous. . . .

Amplification is the vice of modern oratory.

I have much confidence that we shall proceed successfully for ages to come. My hope of its duration is built much on the enlargement of the resources of life going hand in hand with the enlargement of territory.

Truth can stand by itself...If there be but one right [religion], and [Christianity] that one, we should wish to see the nine hundred and ninety-nine wandering sects gathered into the fold of truth.